BetterStage
Terry TZ
Window and workspace manager that groups apps and layouts into named project Stages across all your displays — with per-monitor tiling and optional AI-assisted arrangement.
About BetterStage
BetterStage is a native macOS window and workspace manager (Swift/AppKit, no Electron, no SIP disable required) that gives every project its own Stage — a named workspace spanning every connected display that snaps back into place the instant you switch, with no Spaces-style desktop slide. Each monitor in a Stage uses its own Window Mode: Enhanced Native for free-floating windows with snapping (free), or TabStack for automatic tiling with resizable panes and tabs (Pro; Bento Box remains as legacy). Workspace Continuity keeps local checkpoints through restart, wake, and display changes, and Pro adds Saved Workspaces. Optional AI Staging turns plain-English Recipes into window arrangements you can inspect, refine, apply, and undo. Free tier includes 3 Stages; Pro is a one-time purchase with a 7-day trial, no card required.
Key Features
Named Stages
Group apps, windows, and layouts by project or mode of work, then switch that entire context across all displays with one keystroke. Free includes 3 Stages; Pro unlocks all 9.
Per-Display Window Modes
Each Stage and display uses Enhanced Native (free placement with snapping, free) or TabStack (automatic tiling, resizable panes, and tabs, Pro). Bento Box is legacy, and the radial Snap Wheel controls windows, modes, and Stages with customizable rings.
Workspace Continuity
Local checkpoints preserve your work through restart, wake, and display changes; Pro adds Saved Workspaces. With automatic recovery, disconnected-display windows become available on remaining screens, and reconnection offers Restore or Keep Current Layout. Offline Display Shelf is deprecated.
Optional AI Staging
Write a plain-English Recipe, then inspect, refine, apply, and undo the arrangement plan before anything moves. Workspace metadata goes to your chosen provider only when invoked — no screenshots — and core workspace state stays local. BYOK (25 providers, incl. Ollama/LM Studio) or managed BetterStage AI.
System Requirements
macOS 14+ · Apple Silicon & Intel
